Last week saw the conclusion to seven months of treatment for Hodgkin's disease. My doctors were impressed with the stability of my blood count throughout. Although there was some qualified reluctance to sanction the activity my enjoyment of a glass or two of the '95 Ruinart and other bubbly-beauties (the 'Pyrie' from Piper's Brook in Tasmania rates well on my addled palate) each day did no harm at all...!

WW,Roberto, thank you both for your supportive posts...WW I'm not certain that my medicos are as enlightened as we'd like to imagine - but it was certainly entertaining to prod them in that direction!

I have been granted a clinical remission pending the standard gamut of checkups for some time. It seems there are no guarantees in this life, only surprises of varying intensity.

I'm very pleased that the Pirie has found its way on to your racks. It would have to be close to the top of the class where Aussie fizz is concerned, unfortunately the price tag no longer reflects the humility of its creators.